THE WATCH-TOWER OF KOAT-VEN. 579 



you to listen to me a moment, Sir George. When I saw you for the 

 first time, your reputation as a gallant seaman was already known to 

 me ; and the admiration which I felt for your courage and your bril- 

 liant combat inspired me with the singular interest which I feel for 

 you. I moreover read upon your features that you were the victim 

 of some deeply-rooted sorrow. In the hope of drawing from you a 

 confidence which would have enabled me to be useful to you, I made 

 advances which were properly repelled, for you could not know me 

 sufficiently to entrust me with the secret of your grief. I therefore 

 attempted another means ; and in calumniating my poor friend La 

 Jaille, who admires your loyally more than any other man breathing, 

 I found an opportunity of fighting with you ; I determined not to 

 wound you, but act only upon the defensive. It is true I placed my 

 life in hazard, but I am little accustomed to reflect upon inconveni- 

 ences of that sort. Now you will ask me what my interest for your 

 welfare has to do with this duel? I will explain it to you, Sir 

 George. In France, as soon as two gentlemen have crossed their 

 swords for a misfortune, they become friends for life and for death ; 

 for mutual confidence such an occurrence is equal to twenty years of 

 intimacy. Therefore, Sir George, as we have now been intimate for 

 twenty years, can you think me a worthy depositary of your secret '? 

 and you suffer, I am certain, because you are perhaps wilhout a friend 

 in whom you may confide. Therefore, Sir George, if it be possible 

 for you to open your heart without inflicting a wound upon your 

 honour or betraying a sacred vow, I beseech you do so, in the name 

 of friendship ; for I would not display so indomitable an obstinacy in 

 attempting to render myself worthy of your confidence, did not a 

 secret presentiment assure me that I might be useful to you. Is it a 

 mistress that you would possess? we will carry her off. Is it a 

 troublesome husband? we will engage him. Is it ?" 



"So much generosity shall not be losi," answered said George, 

 interrupting Henry. " Since you will know this secret that ought to 

 die with me, you shall hear it. I have played, Sir, I have played on 

 promise, and have lost a considerable sum, four thousand louis. 

 Lord Gordon, my father, is governor of the East Indies ; it is im- 

 possible for me to collect the sum necessary to pay this debt of honour 

 before my departure, for I must return to England instantly or incur 

 the disgrace of a coward. I went to Lord de Castries in the hope of 

 meeting our ambassador ; unfortunately he is absent from Versailles. 

 To him alone could I unfold my heart : our relation by family per- 

 mits it. This is my secret, Sir; and as to-rnorrow I must pay, and 

 depart, and am unable as to-morrow I am dishonoured, this night 

 I must die. Now then, Sir, you know all ; adieu, and many thanks 

 for your interest in my behalf. I shall die content with the reflection 

 that I am regretted by another friend." 



" Parbleu ! I was quite certain," exclaimed Henry, "that your con- 

 fidence would be of use, and if not to yourself, at the least, to me." 

 Sir George gazed with surprise upon the count. " Yes, indeed, 

 truly, we may as intimate friends converse on family matters; listen 

 to me then, my dear George. I have 50,000 crowns a year and an 

 honest steward, which about doubles my income. I am on shore not 



